Testing of optical devices

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure describes techniques for testing optical devices in a manner that, in some implementations, simulates the environment in which the devices will be used when they are integrated into the end-product or system. For example, one aspect includes providing a transparent sheet that is positioned near the optical device in a manner that simulates at least some aspects of the environment when the device is incorporated into the end-product or system. The testing can be performed, for example, while the optical devices are in production or at some other time prior to their being integrated into an end-product or system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.14/076,820, filed on Nov. 11, 2013, which is a continuation ofInternational Application No. PCT/SG2013/000371 filed on Aug. 26, 2013,which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Application No. 61/700,189,filed on Sep. 12, 2012, and U.S. Application No. 61/768,775, filed onFeb. 25, 2013. The disclosures of the prior applications areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to automated testing of optical devices.

BACKGROUND

Various types of optical devices are incorporated into a wide range ofconsumer and industrial products and systems. One such device is anoptical proximity sensor, which can be integrated, for example, into amobile, hand-held cell phone. The proximity sensor can be used to sensewhether the cell phone is held close to the user's ear (e.g., during aphone call) and to cause the phone's display to switch off so as toreduce power consumption or to prevent unintended activation of icons onthe screen. If the phone is moved away from the user's ear, theproximity sensor can detect that situation and cause the display toswitch on and allow icons to be activated.

Testing of such optical devices is important to ensure that theyfunction properly and satisfy any required specifications. In general,it can be advantageous to test the optical devices after they areintegrated into the end-products so as to allow the devices to be testedin the environment in which they will be used. On the other hand, doingso can increase overall cost and result in the need to remove devicesthat do not meet the tests in a satisfactory way.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes techniques for testing optical devicesin a manner that, in some implementations, simulates the environment inwhich the devices will be used when they are integrated into theend-product or system. For example, one aspect includes providing atransparent sheet that is positioned near the optical device in a mannerthat simulates at least some aspects of the environment when the deviceis incorporated into the end-product or system. The testing can beperformed, for example, while the optical devices are in production orat some other time prior to their being integrated into an end-productor system. In some implementations, the transparent sheet and otherfeatures of the testing unit are designed so that the test environmentmimics aspects of the situation in which the optical device isintegrated into a cell phone (e.g., where the optical device is locatedwithin a cavity of the cell phone that is covered by a transparent coverthat protects the device from dirt, dust, moisture and the like).

The techniques described here can be used, for example, in connectionwith various types of optical devices, including opto-electronicmodules, sensors such as, e.g., ambient light sensors, proximitysensors, array cameras, computational cameras and other multi-channeloptical devices and apparatuses. The optical devices may be, forexample, micro-optics devices or modules and can include at least oneactive optical component and/or at least one passive optical component.The devices and modules may be of other types as well. The techniquescan be particularly useful in connection with the testing of opticalproximity sensors designed for cell phones and the like.

The disclosure also describes a testing unit for implementing thedisclosed techniques.

In one aspect, for example, the disclosure describes an automated methodof testing an optical device. The method can include placing the opticaldevice on or in close proximity to a transparent sheet, causing theoptical device to emit light through the transparent sheet, analyzing aresponse of the optical device after it emits the light, and determiningin a processing unit whether or not the optical device passes a testbased at least in part on analyzing the response of the optical device.

Another aspect describes an automated method of testing an opticaldevice that is on or in close proximity to a transparent sheet. Themethod can include causing the optical device to emit light that istransmitted through the transparent sheet into a region that has a backwall having a first reflectivity, and analyzing a first response of theoptical device. The method also includes causing a second surface to bemoved into the region such that the second surface intersects an opticalaxis of the optical device, wherein the second surface has areflectivity different from the back wall. Subsequently, the opticaldevice is caused to emit light that is transmitted through thetransparent sheet into the region, and a second response of the opticaldevice is analyzed. The method further includes using a processingsystem to determine whether or not the optical device passes a testbased at least in part on analyzing the responses of the optical device.

According to another aspect, a testing unit for testing an opticaldevice is described. The testing unit can include a device holder tohold the optical device, a testing electronics module adjacent thedevice holder, and a transparent cover adjacent the device holder. Thetesting electronics module includes electrical contacts for connectionto electrical contacts of the optical device and including electronicsto measure a response of the optical device. The testing unit furtherincludes a wall located on a side of the transparent cover opposite thatof the device holder and having a first reflectivity. A movablepartition is slidable in and out of the region and has a reflectivitydifferent from the wall. A processing unit is configured to generate acontrol signal to cause the optical device to emit light that istransmitted through the transparent sheet toward the wall, analyze afirst response of the optical device, generate a control signal to causethe movable partition to be moved between the wall and the transparentcover, generate a control signal to cause the optical device to emitlight that is transmitted through the transparent cover toward themovable partition, analyze a second response of the optical device, anddetermine whether or not the optical device passes a test based at leastin part on analyzing the responses of the optical device.

In some implementations, the wall is composed of a black reference card,and the partition is composed of a grey reference card, both of whichcan have well-defined reflectance properties. The black reference cardcan be used, for example, for measuring leakage between a light emittingelement and light detecting element in the optical device, and forcalibrating the measurement. The grey reference card can be used, forexample, for measuring the optical response of the optical deviceagainst a surface with well-defined reflectance properties.

Other aspects, features and advantages will be readily apparent from thefollowing detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and theclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method of testing an optical device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an optical device testing unit showing apartition in a first position.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the optical device testing unit showing thepartition in a second position.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method of testing an optical device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As indicated by FIG. 1, some implementations include an automated methodof testing optical devices. The method can include placing one or moredevices into a device holder to test the functionality of each deviceunder specified conditions in accordance with particular specifications(block 20). An automated pick-and-place machine can be used, forexample, to place the devices into the device holder. The method caninclude moving the devices, one at a time, onto, or adjacent, atransparent sheet so as to simulate particular features of anenvironment when the device is incorporated into an end product orsystem (block 22). While the device is on, or adjacent, the transparentsheet, one or more tests are performed (block 24). The tests caninclude, for example, directing optical signals from the optical devicethrough the transparent sheet, and/or detecting, in the optical device,optical signals that pass back through the transparent sheet. The testresults then can be analyzed, and a pass/fail indication can be providedbased on the integrity of the individual device (block 26).

An example of a testing unit 30 is illustrated in FIG. 2. Testing unit30 includes a device holder 34, which, in some implementations, can holdmultiple optical devices. For example, in the illustratedimplementation, device holder 34 can hold up to sixteen optical devices.In other implementations, device holder 34 may be capable of holding agreater or lesser number of optical devices. The use of holder 34 tohold the device(s) in an accurate position can facilitate ensuring thatgood electrical contacts are provided for the testing. Furthermore, thetechniques described here can facilitate fast testing of the devicesbecause multiple devices can be tested simultaneously.

As shown in FIG. 2, an optical device 36 can be positioned in deviceholder 34. Optical device 36 can include, for example, one or moreactive and/or passive optical components. Examples of an active opticalcomponent include a light sensing or a light emitting component, such asa photodiode, an image sensor, an LED, an OLED, a laser chip, an opticaltransmitter die including, for example, a light-emitting diode (thatemits, e.g., infrared light or near-infrared light) or an opticalreceiver die including, for example, a photo diode for detecting, e.g.,infrared light or near-infrared light). Examples of passive opticalcomponents include an optical component that redirects light byrefraction and/or diffraction and/or reflection such as a lens, a prism,a mirror or an optical system (e.g., a collection of passive opticalcomponents that may include mechanical elements such as aperture stops,image screens or holders). The various optical components may be mountedon or over a substrate.

In the illustrated example, optical device 36 is a proximity sensor thatincludes both a light emitting component as well as a light sensingcomponent mounted on a common substrate and separated from one anotherby a opaque partition. Lenses or other optics are aligned above each ofthe light emitting and light sensing components to help focus the lightto and from optical device 36. During use, light emitted from opticaldevice 36 by the light emitting component can be reflected by a surfaceoutside of the optical device, and a portion of the reflected light canbe detected by the light sensing component. When the proximity sensor isinstalled, for example, in a mobile phone, the amount of reflected lightcan be use, in known manner, to detect that the mobile phone is next tothe user's ear or face so that the phone's display can be dimmed ordeactivated automatically when the display is not being used, therebyextending the life of the phone's battery and preventing unintendedactivation of the displayed icons. Optical device 36 also can includeexternal electrical contacts, such as solder balls or SMT contacts, onthe underside of the substrate, that provide an electrical path forsignals to and from the light emitting and light sensing components.

When optical device 36 is positioned in device holder 34, externalelectrical contacts (e.g., SMT pads or solder balls) of the opticaldevice should be in contact with a testing electronics module 38, whichincludes electrical contacts for connection to the external electricalcontacts of optical device 36. It is, therefore, important for opticaldevices to be positioned into device holder 34 with a high degree ofaccuracy. In some implementations, an optical device may need to beplaced in device holder 34 with an accuracy to within several hundredmicrons (e.g., 100-300 μm).

Testing electronics module 38 also can include, for example, a signalamplifier or other electronics to measure the response (e.g., opticalcross talk) of optical device 36 when light emitted by the opticaldevice is reflected back into the optical device by different surfaces.For example, testing electronics module 38 can provide signals to causethe light emitting component in optical device 36 to emit light, and canreceive signals from optical device 36 indicative of the amount of lightdetected by the light sensing component. Testing electronics module 38can be coupled to a processing unit 42, such as a personal computer orlaptop, which provides control signals to the testing electronics moduleand and receives output signals indicative of the measurements made bythe testing electronics module.

Testing unit 30 also includes a transparent sheet 40 disposed over thetop of device holder 34. Transparent sheet 40 can be composed, forexample, of any suitable transparent material (e.g. glass, polymer orother crystalline transparent material). The material and thickness oftransparent sheet 40 can be chosen to be similar to the material anddimensions of the transparent cover that forms part of the casing of theend-product (e.g., mobile phone) into which the device is to beincorporated. When an optical device 36 is placed in device holder 34and is positioned over testing electronics module 38, the top of theoptical device will be in contact with, or adjacent, one side oftransparent sheet 40. On the other side of transparent sheet 40,directly opposite optical device 36, is a space 44. The interior backwall 46 of space 44 (i.e., the wall that faces transparent sheet 40) canbe composed of, or covered with, a black material that has well-definedreflectance and absorption properties. Back wall 46 preferably shouldabsorb substantially all light that impinges on it and should reflectlittle, if any, light. In some implementations, commercially availableblack reference cards, such as the type used in digital photography, canbe used to cover interior walls 46. Examples of such black referencecards are commercially available, for example, from Opteka™. The blackreference card at back wall 46 can be used for measuring leakage betweena light emitting element and light detecting element in optical device36, and for calibrating the measurement. Side interior walls 45 of space44 (i.e., the walls that are substantially perpendicular to transparentsheet 40) also can be composed of, or covered with, a material thatabsorbs substantially all radiation from the light emitting component inoptical device 36. However, side walls 45 need not have well-definedreflectance and absorption properties as does back wall 46. For example,side walls 45 can be made of black glass epoxy sheets (e.g., a FR4-typematerial) or black polyoxymethylene.

Adjacent space 44 has a horizontal opening 48 in which a moveable (e.g.,slidable) partition 50 is stored. Partition 50 can be moved in responseto a control signal from a controller 32 in testing unit 30, which inturn receives control signals from processing unit 42. In particular,partition 50 can be moved horizontally from opening 48 into space 44, asshown in FIG. 3. The width of partition 50 can be, for example, aboutthe same as the width of space 44 such that, when the partition is movedinto space 44, the partition extends substantially from opening 48 tothe opposite interior wall 46 (see FIG. 3). Partition 50 subsequentlycan be moved back into opening 48. In some implementations, acommercially available grey reference card, such as the type used indigital photography, can be used as partition 50. Examples of such greyreference cards are commercially available from Mennon USA and canprovide substantially uniform spectral reflectance, regardless ofwavelength, color or intensity of the illumination. The grey referencecard can be used for measuring the optical response of the moduleagainst a surface with well-defined reflectance properties.

By controlling the position of partition 50, different surfaces can beused during testing of optical device 36. Thus, some tests of opticaldevice 36 can be performed while partition 50 is stored within opening48, such that the optical device is tested while light is emitted towardthe substantially non-reflective interior walls 46 of space 44, whereasother tests can be performed while partition 50 is located within space44, thus providing a partially reflective surface for the testing.

Positioning of partition 50 (i.e., within opening 48 or within space 44)should be coordinated with the measurements to be performed by testingelectronics module 38. This coordination can be accomplished byprocessing unit 42, which provides control signals to controller 32 aswell as to testing electronics module 38. In some implementations,processing unit 42 provides control signals for the followingoperations. In a first operation, with partition 50 in the retractedposition (see FIG. 2), processing unit 42 causes testing electronicsmodule 38 to measure the response of optical device 36 when light isemitted into space 44 (FIG. 4, block 100). After receiving the testresults from testing electronics module 38 (block 102), processing unit42 causes partition 50 to be moved to a position within space 44 (seeFIG. 3 and FIG. 4, block 104). Processing unit 44 then causes testingelectronics module 38 to measure the response of optical device 36 whenlight is emitted into space 44 (block 106). After receiving the testresults from testing electronics module 38 (block 108), processing unit42 causes partition 50 to be moved back to its retracted position (block110). The process then can be repeated for the next optical device.

The optical devices can be sorted based at least on part on the resultsof foregoing tests. Optical devices that fail to pass the tests or failto meet specified user-defined requirements can be separated fromdevices that satisfy the tests. Performing such testing, for example,during production of the optical devices and sorting the devices priorto their being placed into the final end product or system can helpavoid defective devices being placed into a final end product or system.This can help reduce costs associated with repairing an end product orsystem that would otherwise might be required.

In some implementations, the foregoing techniques can be combinedexample, with visual inspection of the optical devices 36 using opticalmachine vision. For example, automated optical inspection can be used toinspect the devices for scratches and defects prior to performing thetests described above using testing unit 30.

Although the testing unit 30 of FIG. 2 shows only a single moveablepartition 50, other implementations can include multiple moveablepartitions, each of which has different optical characteristics from theother partitions and which can be moved independently of the otherpartitions. For example, processing unit 42 can cause controller 32 tomove each of partitions sequentially in and out of the optical path(s)of the optical device under test so as to simulate various conditions(e.g., different reflective surfaces). Test results indicative of thedevice's response (e.g., optical cross talk) can be obtained andanalyzed using the different partitions, and a decision as to whether aparticular optical device is acceptable can be determined based on thetest results.

Although FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate certain details of an example of anoptical device 36, other types of optical devices can be tested usingthe described techniques. Such other optical devices may differ in oneor more respects from the features of the illustrated optical device 36.

Other implementations are within the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An automated method of testing an optical device,the method comprising: placing the optical device on or in closeproximity to a transparent sheet; causing the optical device to emitlight through the transparent sheet; analyzing, in a processing unit, afirst amount of light detected by the optical device when a firstsurface intersects an optical axis of the optical device; and analyzing,in the processing unit, a second amount of light detected by the opticaldevice when a second surface intersects the optical axis of the opticaldevice, wherein the first and second surfaces have differentreflectivities from one another and are located on a side of thetransparent sheet opposite that of optical device; and determining inthe processing unit whether or not the optical device passes a testbased at least in part on analyzing the response of the optical device.2. The method of claim 1 wherein determining whether or not the opticaldevice passes a test includes determining whether or not the opticaldevice meets a particular one or more specifications indicating whetherthe optical device will perform satisfactorily when integrated into anend-product or system.
 3. The method of claim 1 including moving thefirst or second surface from a position where it does not intersect theoptical axis of the optical device to a position where it does intersectthe optical axis of the optical device.
 4. The method of claim 1 whereinthe first surface absorbs substantially all light impinging on it, andwherein the second surface is at least partially reflective.
 5. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the first surface is composed of a blackreference card.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the second surface iscomposed of a grey reference card.
 7. The method of claim 1 including:using the first surface for measuring leakage between a light emittingelement and light detecting element in the optical device; and using thesecond surface for measuring the optical response of the optical deviceagainst a surface with well-defined reflectance properties.
 8. Themethod of claim 1 including detecting an amount of optical cross-talk inthe optical device when the first surface intersects an optical axis ofthe optical device or when the second surface intersects the opticalaxis of the optical device.
 9. The method of claim 1 including using aprocessing unit to coordinate timing of measurements to be performed bya testing electronics module coupled to the optical device withpositioning of the first or second surfaces.
 10. The method of claim 9wherein with the second surface in a first position, the processing unitcauses the testing electronics module to measure a response of theoptical device when light is emitted toward the first surface.
 11. Themethod of claim 10 wherein, after the processing unit receives testresults from the testing electronics module, the processing unit causesthe second surface to be moved to a position such that the secondsurface intersects the optical axis of the optical device, and whereinthe processing unit then causes the testing electronics module tomeasure a response of the optical device when light is emitted towardthe second surface.
 12. An automated method of testing an optical devicethat is on or in close proximity to a transparent sheet, the methodcomprising: causing the optical device to emit light that is transmittedthrough the transparent sheet into a region located between thetransparent sheet and a back wall having a first reflectivity; analyzinga first response of the optical device to light reflected by the backwall; causing a second surface to be moved into the region such that thesecond surface intersects an optical axis of the optical device, whereinthe second surface has a reflectivity different from the back wall;subsequently causing the optical device to emit light that istransmitted through the transparent sheet into the region, and analyzinga second response of the optical device to light reflected by the secondsurface; and using a processing system to determine whether or not theoptical device passes a test based at least in part on analyzing theresponses of the optical device.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein thetransparent sheet simulates a cover of an end-product or system intowhich the optical device is to be integrated.
 14. An automated method oftesting an optical device that is on or in close proximity to atransparent sheet, wherein the optical device is a proximity sensor andwherein the transparent cover has optical features that simulate opticalfeatures of a transparent cover of a cell phone into which the opticaldevice is to be integrated, the method comprising: causing the opticaldevice to emit light that is transmitted through the transparent sheetinto a region that has a back wall having a first reflectivity, andanalyzing a first response of the optical device; causing a secondsurface to be moved into the region such that the second surfaceintersects an optical axis of the optical device, wherein the secondsurface has a reflectivity different from the back wall; subsequentlycausing the optical device to emit light that is transmitted through thetransparent sheet into the region, and analyzing a second response ofthe optical device; and using a processing system to determine whetheror not the optical device passes a test based at least in part onanalyzing the responses of the optical device.